Road conditions in AZ and NM

[MinnesotaGS]

I just impulse purchased a bike in Las Vegas and am flying out tomorrow to bring it back to Panama City, FL. I'll be sticking to interstates since I don't have a huge amount of time.

Any locals in the AZ/NM area know if I-40 is safe to travel this time of year? If not, I would assume I-10 is? Either route takes roughly the same amount of time (couple hours difference).

Should be an interesting trip - I'll make sure to post a little summary after I get back to FL.

[cowboyup3371]

I40 can be okay to travel depending on construction but keep an eye on the weather conditions anyway. Sometimes NM will get good storms that close down the eastern side.

Lived in Albuquerque for 5 years

Edit: Here's the five day forecast for Albuquerque

http://www.weather.com/weather/5-day/USNM0004

[MinnesotaGS]

Forecast looks pretty solid. No storms imminent at least!

[Guest]

Take I-10 goes straight into FL and its sunny the whole way pretty much. I-40 can get hammered by storms this time of year. If you stop in Las Cruces NM for the nite, Let me know and I'll buy ya beer!

[MiloBramble]

Is this the bike you bought? the one in your sig? 2004 Suzuki DL650 V-Strom (if it makes it to FL!)

Man I want one of these bad...good luck on the ride. Like said above, I-10 should be a good weather option for ya but I-40 is prettier...Have a safe ride.

[MinnesotaGS]

I-10 it is.

Yup, bought a 2004 DL650 V-Strom.

Have wanted one ever since I started riding and am finally in the position to get one.

Not entirely pumped about the 2,000 mile trip though!

[cowboyup3371]

Just do yourself a favor and time your trip so you are going through El Paso very early in the morning on a weekend. This way, you can get through quickly and without worrying about what's across the border. I would stop in EL Paso years ago with no worries...not anymore. However, I think you'll do better for gas reasons if you stay up on I40 through Texas as there's a couple of hundred mile stretch there on I10 where there's no gas. It was tough to do in a vehicle I can't imagine what it's like on a bike.

[bbjumper]

I-10 it is.

Yup, bought a 2004 DL650 V-Strom.

Have wanted one ever since I started riding and am finally in the position to get one.

Not entirely pumped about the 2,000 mile trip though!

2,000 mile trip? Dude that's the reason I ride, the road trips. Just think, your gonna be on the ride you've always wanted, covering some great territory. I did the I-10 from El Paso - Sat Antonio last May and it's not bad. You'll find plenty of gas and even though it's gonna be cool outside I would rather do that than 110 in the summer. You could even do a SS 1000. Take plenty of pics, and I agree with Cowboyup, do El Paso early to miss the traffic, it's a B---H.

[MinnesotaGS]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I'll for sure take the El Paso early advice, traffic sucks. Once outside of El Paso I might hop on I-20 and go the Dallas route. I'll make the spur of the moment decision...

Leaving for the airport in 30 mins or so.

Arriving in Vegas tonight, hitting the road tomorrow.

I got the camera packed and the credit card ready to do some damage.

Thanks again for the solid advice.

[850 Combat]

So how was the trip?

[MiloBramble]

Waiting to hear also...

[MinnesotaGS]

Hey everyone,

Made it! It was cold at times, but for the most part a pleasant trip.

I'll post up a recap in the GS stories section.